My name is Susie Nicholson and I have been attending HSBC for the past two years and have had the privilege of singing in our wonderful choir for the past year. I am a divorced mother of two grown sons and the proud grandmother of two grandchildren. I have lived in Franklin for 31 years. Recently I changed jobs for the first time in 10 years and now work at Franklin’s newest bank, Nantahala Bank.

I have always loved to sing and I started my “career” at an early age of 5 at FBC in Brevard in the beginner choir. My aunt was the organist so I was in church every time the door opened.

For a number of years though I didn’t sing in my church choir but I realized just how much I missed it so I started again at FBC here in Franklin. One of my best friends who was also our minister of music, Priscilla Tunnell really encouraged me through that time. It was during those years that she and Ms Dickie Deaton formed the Macon County Chorus. I had the privilege of singing with that group for several different performances of Handels Messiah. One year we were even accompanied by the Asheville Symphony. That was probably the highlight of my “career”.

One Sunday when I first started attending HSBC over in the old sanctuary I was so deeply moved by the choirs singing of “Beulah Land”. I guess that it has become my favorite song. I even had it played recently at my mother’s memorial service in November.

Since coming to HSBC I have felt true Christian love that was lacking in my church life. I have truly been blessed.

When did you start singing? I've been singing for as long as I can remember. I started when I was very young.

What inspired you to sing? my family all sang together, I wanted to be able to sing with them

How long have you been involved with the HSBC choir? 11 years

What would you say is one of your biggest, or most important singing events of moments? I was blessed to have the opportunity to be in the Miss North Carolina Pageant in June 1988 and my talent was singing.

Have you been a part of a singing group? Not one that recorded an album When? My youth group when I was a teenager traveled in the Summers doing Mission Trips. We would sing and we also had a clown troupe that performed very powerful skits that led many people to know Jesus. It was an amazing time in my life!!

Family? [husband/wife, children, other members of church you are related too] My husband is Dan Reitmeier, we have been married for 9+ years. I have 3 children Andrew & Caitlin Raby, Dalton Reitmeier and 2 step-children, Clay & Austin Reitmeier. Other family members that attend HSBC are: Kevin, Beth, Matt & Maggie Corbin.... Dan & Beth are brother & sister. Bob & Glenda Hubbs .... Bob & I are first cousins, our mothers are sisters.

Other church organizations, groups you are involved in? Adult 1 Sunday School class

Anything else you would like to mention? I love to watch my children play sports, they are very involved and keep us very busy!! One of my most favorite hobbies is scrapbooking! This allows me to document all of their activities :-)

Favorite Verse? Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Favorite song? Don't think I have a favorite.... too many good ones to choose from!!

Your favorite group? hmmmm..... same as above, but a few of my favorites are ..... Avalon, FFH, Phillips Craig & Dean, Point of Grace

When did you start singing? When I was 13 years old

What inspired you to sing? It was a natural thing to do. I loved music.

How long have you been involved with the HSBC choir? 4 years

What would you say is one of your biggest, or most important singing events of moments? Sang at Carnegie Hall and in Israel.

Have you been a part of a singing group? When? Rex Humbard Ministries 1968-1979. Messengers Trio and Quartet-15 years. Solo ministry -4years

Family? [husband/wife, children, other members of church you are related too] My sister, Mary Jane Lofton

Anything else you would like to mention? Gospel music is my life. I am still asked to sing in churches across the country. I have written more than forty gospel songs, and some have been recorded.

Favorite Verse? Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

Favorite song? "No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus"

Your favorite group? Greater Vision, Gaither Vocal Band, Hoppers